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10 Apr 2025
GS Paper 5
UP Special
Day 31: What are the specific challenges posed by external state actors to the internal security of Uttar Pradesh? (Answer in 200 words)
Approach
- Give a brief introduction of security challenges in Uttar Pradesh.
- Discuss in detail the challenges posed by external state.
- Write a suitable conclusion.
Introduction
Uttar Pradesh faces multifold threats from external states and non-state actors on the internal security front. State actors include the foreign government representative and their agencies. Non-state actors may include NGOs, multinational companies, terrorist and religious groups, hackers, etc.
Body
Major challenges faced by Uttar Pradesh:
- Cross-Border Infiltration: Uttar Pradesh shares its border with Nepal, making it susceptible to infiltration by external state actors or their proxies. Infiltrators may include terrorists, smugglers, or individuals involved in organized crime.
- Radicalization and Extremism: External state actors may attempt to exploit existing socio-political fault lines within Uttar Pradesh to promote radical ideologies. This can lead to the radicalization of individuals, which can then manifest in the form of communal violence, acts of terrorism, or insurgency.
- Cyber Threats: These threats can include hacking attempts, data breaches, ransomware attacks, or disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the state.
- Smuggling and Illegal Activities: Uttar Pradesh’s geographical location and vast border area make it vulnerable to smuggling of contraband, drugs, arms, and counterfeit currency. External state actors may exploit this vulnerability to fund illegal activities or undermine the state’s economy. Combating smuggling requires robust border security measures, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts with neighboring states and central security agencies.
- Proxy Wars: Uttar Pradesh’s significance as a politically influential state in India makes it a potential target for proxy wars by external state actors. These actors may attempt to manipulate local politics, instigate intercommunity tensions, or influence electoral processes to further their interests. Detecting and countering such interference requires a strong intelligence apparatus and effective coordination between state and central security agencies.
Conclusion
To address these challenges, Uttar Pradesh needs a multi-faceted approach that involves robust border security, intelligence sharing and coordination with central security agencies, community engagement programs to counter radicalization, investments in cybersecurity infrastructure, enhanced law enforcement capabilities.
